I like Ghost's past efforts but this is as generic as one can get. there are about 10,000 other hard rock / metal bands from Sweden and Germany who sound exactly like this album. nothing unique. nothing ground breaking. just boring. i'm sure the masses will eat it up.

also i jumped the gun. this is not better than meliora. if there was 1 or 2 more heavier tracks ala faith or rats instead of those drawn out instrumentals, it would be much better. faith and see the light are two of their best songs for sure